Morocco’s Salé Film Festival Champions Women in Cinema

Morocco’s 19th “International Women’s Film Festival of Salé,” held from September 28 to October 3, 2026, put women’s representation and equal opportunity at the heart of conversations about cinema. The festival brought together filmmakers, actors, producers, and industry professionals to honor women’s creative work and discuss the barriers they face in securing finance, jobs, and leading roles. This year’s edition also introduced Arabic subtitles for the first time, expanding accessibility for audiences. Meanwhile, Shahad Ameen’s “Hijra” won the Grand Prix in the feature competition, with Hind Bensari’s documentary “La Cour des grands” taking home the top documentary prize. Beyond recognizing artistic achievements, the festival’s organizers worked to link emerging filmmakers with broader African and international cinema networks, strengthening Salé’s standing as a hub for artistic exchange.